I just realized the major cause of my "suffering" from my PhD lies in the fact that it is such a long period commitment, and it is bilateral: me and my superviors and colleagues. I used to have a hell-like PhD in the past (I just started a new one) that my (only) supervisor somehow managed to get into a deep prejudice against me! I know it may be an extreme case, but the (attitude) change of supervisors and colleagues do seem to happen a lot! my PhD is heavily dependent on others' work and honestly, without the strong support of the supervisor, I cannot easily get my degree. If it were a normal job, you can just leave and start over; but nobody wants to waste the time he/she spents on the PhD. I really like research, but probably not do it "professionally"..

don't bother about them, there will be people like that everywhere

criminal offence? really?

katerinh, I understand that you probably just use an expression; but deeper down, we all know that we cannot expect all people to be nice, or nice all the time. There are those people who just are trying to mess others around, so if I were you, I will first try to see if I can change that by talking/negotiating with her; if after a while, she is still like that, you may have to do something "tough", it is only You that should stand up for yourself and make sure you won't get affected by any "evil" people.

about the universities, how about checking some research papers you came upon when you were doing your M.S.c? and probably list some famous scholars you know in your field. and find out which universities they are from.

it seems to me that the major problem is letting some of your thoughts "fall into the hands of" of your colleagues.. If you guys are working in the same small field, then your sup should know not to do that; if not, I think it is OK. About bonding, no tips ..

only on important things. little things, not necessarily; especially when the supervisor has some personal preferrance.

hey, I am not clear about the changing supervisor stuff, but do have something to say about the "digression of topic".
It is utterly wrong to constrain someone's thinking in anyone else's pattern; so it is your research work, don't let them talk something else. I have been through this; you won't learn anything just being dragged around.
since you are paying the university, I do think you can just tell them "back off, I am a customer, and I am not happy with the service I am provided .." of course, be diplomatic when saying this..

nice! good to hear a lot of PhD lovers .. though love always brings hatred from time to time; like in a relationship ..

just a small point, about whether you are doing up to the standard, that's where the supervisors fit in, unless you are very aware of the state-of-the-art(this is more an engineering term). my supervisor can easily see the validity of my suggested points. If your supervisors are too busy to check your work initiatively, how about you brief them regularly just summarizing what you have done and plan to do.

I wouldnot mind.. sometimes, having a breakthrough in work is more "relaxing" than a day off. Work out the breakthrough and take a day off some other time!

happy birthday! enjoy the study! I am plannig to work on my birthday next month as well unless I can have a date. otherwise, "dating" with my work sounds also nice..

hmm, some of you might only want to study in U.K, but in case you don't mind going abroad, there are way more opportunities out there. Just find the professors you are interested in and send your CV to them.

i am confused. so you have been applying for a PhD for 1.5 years with no success.. what did those rejections say?

hattie, could you be a little bit more specific? I understand it sometimes hurts to describe "bad" memories, but mature mentality will help the PhD study.